A Year In Review

For the last two years I have used the Life and Business Planner, published by iBloom, Inspiring Women.  It was the one thing I really wanted for Christmas this year so I kind of hope it is under the Christmas tree.  https://ibloom.co/planner/

At the beginning of 2017 I spent quite a bit of time with my planner.  I love the worksheets included in it to help me plan and be purposeful.  I wrote out my priorities for 2017.

• Walking closer and more purposefully with Christ.
• Helping my children grow stronger in their walk.
• Passing on my faith to our grandchildren in a tangible way.
• Bill and I figuring out what this next stage of our lives will look like.
• Listening to God and understanding His will professionally.

My planner also asked me to set personal goals for 2017 in terms of my relationship with God, my spouse, my family, friends, physical health, finances and "Me time."  I think I did well on my priorities, but I missed the mark on my personal goals.  I also made a list of activities just for me and some date night ideas.

I had to design a list of projects for 2017 and then come up with a detailed action plan.  

• Add discussion questions and reprint my book, Grace Without Margins.
• My Castle Is A Classroom finished, edited and printed.
• Right Through the Middle:  On Aging Parents and Loss.  I decided to put together a class and   training video instead of write a book.
• Make training available on line.  https://gwm.digitalchalk.com/dc/learn/grace-without-margins-elements-of-disability-ministry

Three out of the four projects have been completed and the fourth one will be started first thing in 2018.

Some of the highlights of the year from Grace Without Margins, LLC were:

• Attending the Joni and Friends staff and volunteer conference in April.
• Developing a logo and branding for Grace Without Margins, LLC.  http://gracewithoutmargins.com
• Providing training in Colorado throughout the year for churches and schools on disability issues.
• Offering in-service training at a private school in Austin.
• Developing online training.
• Getting the book, Grace Without Margins, expanded and published. https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Without-Margins-Journey-Through/dp/0578106744
• Leading monthly leadership meetings for Joni and Friends.http://www.joniandfriends.org
• Writing blog posts for The Irresistible Church.  http://www.irresistiblechurch.org/wonder/
• Meeting with the director of Love With Actions from Rwanda.  http://www.lovewithactions.org

Next week I look forward to getting some time away to plan for 2018.  It is going to be an exciting year!

I Am From

I am from Jim and Georgia, Walter and Bernice, Woody and Georgia,

From the vastness of Texas to the Rockies of Colorado and back to the hill country of Austin,

From locusts and humidity to fresh mountain streams to bluebonnets in the spring.

I am from oatmeal, bacon grease, Spam, and inexpensive casseroles.

I am from spirituality, politics, and love,

From intense activists struggling to do what’s right.

I am from “If you can’t say anything nice about someone, don’t say anything at all” to “I Have a Dream.”

I am from farmers, asphalt operators, secretaries, preachers, florists, and civil activists.

I am from The Sound of Music and White Christmas,

From Kick Ball, Hide and Seek, and singing on the front porch,

From David Cassidy, Michael Jackson, James Taylor and Carol King.

I am from legalism to grace, 

From knowing of God to knowing Him.

My life is unfolding against a cast of women staying at home nurturing their children and women loving their children by working to improve the world.

I am from men supporting their families and helping until the chores are done at night.

I am from takes me to where I am.

Deana Boggess

11/29/17

Blog Post: Do You Wonder?

If you haven't already done so, I highly encourage you to join The Irresistible Church on the Joni and Friends website.  They have great blog posts on a variety of topics, as well as great resources.  If you are a pastor, volunteer, parent or are involved in disability ministry/education, you will be encouraged.

Below you will find the blog post Do You Wonder? by Deana Boggess.

http://irresistiblechurch.org/wonder/

We Need Each Other

Maybe you have noticed a theme in the last several blog posts, we need each other!  I love surrounding myself with people that spur me on in ministry, challenge me, and educate me on people and cultures I am unfamiliar with and simply put, help me grow in wisdom.  If I could give the next generation anything, it would be to give them the desire for knowledge and wisdom from people farther down the road.  It is truly a gift.

I have shared about the women and men in Colorado that have encouraged me in ministry.  While I was in Denver, I was also able to spend some time with new friends and acquaintances at our Grace Without Margins training.  I loved the diversity of the group in terms of perspective.  I met with a pastor, a parent, church ministry volunteers, private school teachers, and public school teachers.  The time together was encouraging for me and I hoped it started a new journey for the participants.  We have had the opportunity to speak in Denver five times now.  I hope it is the start of something beautiful...a community of people wanting to welcome and include children and adults with disabilities in their communities.  

We are looking forward to our next visit to Denver.  We will be presenting on Aging Parents and Loss and the acquired disabilities of aging.  As with parenting and ministry, the more education and tools we have, the more prepared we will be.  We look forward to walking through this topic in the spring.

Simple Faith, Simple Discipleship

A couple of days ago, I shared about the amazing women of Colorado that have helped shape my faith from forty years ago until now.  They have spurred me on in my faith by simply walking the road with me.  There are two men in Colorado that I was able to visit with last week.  They have impacted my life and faith as well, my youth pastor and my brother.

It is kind of interesting to look back forty years and be flooded with memories of your youth and then jump ahead forty years and start new ones.  I met Jim Stuart when I was 13 years old.  I had recently moved from Texas to Colorado and wasn't happy about the change.  I was painfully shy and I am embarrassed to say that the first time I entered youth group, I hid under the table.  At home I had all of the confidence I needed, but out in the world, I just wanted to hide.  Then Jim Stuart walked into my life.

Jim was all of 26 years old.  I didn't think of him as old exactly but he was definitely an adult with a wife, a mortgage, and would soon be a father.  Jim, along with his wife, brought life to this God I knew of but didn't know yet.  

I was always impressed by Jim's knowledge of scripture and theology.  I have always respected him for that, but it was the simplicity of his faith that greatly influenced my spiritual walk.  

I remember going on backpacking and whitewater rafting trips.  Jim would break out his guitar and beloved Bible and share about what a relationship with Christ looks like.  I knew there was a complexity to scripture but Jim also showed me the simplicity of walking through the woods with a guitar and a Bible and how they were just as meaningful.  Over the years when life became challenging and my faith was tested, I thought about those powerful encounters with God on a mountaintop and would seek them out again in my life.  Jim showed me that if I looked for God, I would surely find Him.

During those impressionable years I also learned what to look for in a husband.  I loved how Jim loved his wife and how he treated her.  His example, and the example of my dad, helped me look for that same type of husband and I am grateful to say I found him.

It is hard to put into words what Jim has meant to me.  He is a brother I look up to and a friend I can rely on, but most of all, he is an example of Christ to me.

The other Colorado man I have known and respected for 56 years now, is my brother.  Mark and I are very close in age, only 14 months apart.  One of the attributes I admire the most about Mark is his servant heart.  

When I arrived in Denver, Mark picked me up at the airport with two bottles of water in the front seat.  He knows I have a tendency to get altitude sick in Colorado and wanted to try to head it off before my trip even started.  Mark knew I was anxious about driving on ice so the morning I was to give a presentation on my trip, Mark got up at 6:00 am to warm the car and scrape any ice off the windshield.  That is just the kind of person he is.

Just as Jim showed me the simplicity of faith, Mark has demonstrated the simplicity of being a disciple.  To follow Christ is to live a life of service and humility.  Over the years Mark has graciously served a variety of people in need of a new start or second chance.  On a regular basis I have gone to Mark to ask him the best way to extend grace to someone that is struggling.  I am grateful for Mark's example of what Christ calls us to do, love and serve.

I know my last two blog posts have had a different focus.  I usually share topics concerning disability ministry, but my purpose in sharing the stories of the women and men of Colorado that spur me on is to communicate that ministry has numerous people in it's history that have helped pave the way.  The ripple effect of people spurring others on is immeasurable, never knowing where it began or where it ends.  Think of the people that have invested in you.  What have they taught you?  How have they impacted your spiritual journey?  Think about the investment you are making in others.  What will they remember?  How will you impact their perspective on God and ministry?

Women Encouraging Women

I had so many great experiences during my five days in Denver last week.  I had to dedicate one blog post to the amazing Denver women that I treasure.  Women need each other and I am so grateful for the women God has blessed me with over the years.

For a moment it felt unspiritual to take a picture of Sally while she was reading scripture to me, yet there is nothing holier than having your spiritual mentor start your time together with scripture and prayer.  I feel privileged and blessed to have a woman in my life that invests in me and sharpens me in my faith.  My hope is to be this woman to someone else.  Sally was instrumental in starting my walk with the Lord forty years ago and is now partnering with me in supporting children affected by disability.

Last week I was also blessed to have time with another great lady.  Ann and I met about 30 years ago in a LaMaze class.  We delivered our firstborn children across the hall from one another.  Three years later we encouraged each other over the phone as we delivered our second children on the same day.  Unfortunately we haven't lived in the same state for the last 28 years, but God has kept our hearts close.  We have walked through some tough times together, but we always know we are just a phone call away.

I met Joanie when I was a teenager.  She loved and supported me as a teenager and young woman.  She also encouraged me as a young wife and mother.  I never realized the inspiration she would eventually give me as a teacher.  I loved her creativity and commitment to children and the development of a love for learning.  She has been one of my mom's best friends for years, but I claim her as one of my best friends as well.

God also gave me a special time with a sister-in-law that I am grateful to have as another spiritual friend in my life.  I always think of my time with Theresa as visiting a spa.  I always feel refreshed, cared for, and renewed after seeing her.     She chose her life calling of counseling well.  Anyone that has some time with her has truly been given a gift!

I am grateful for the time I had with men that have impacted my faith over the years, but I had to mention these amazing women.  Thank you for spurring me on, ladies!

Love With Actions

Last week I have the opportunity and blessing to spend the day with one of my spiritual mentors, Sally Stuart, and one of my new brothers in Christ and ministry, Gilbert Kubwimana.  Gilbert is visiting a variety of people and churches in the United States to learn more about special needs ministry and share his vision for Love With Actions.

Sally started our time together in prayer and by sharing Psalm 146 and she was a great interpreter for both cultures.

Psalm 146
1 Praise the Lord.[a]
Praise the Lord, my soul.
2 I will praise the Lord all my life;
    I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
3 Do not put your trust in princes,
    in human beings, who cannot save.
4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
    on that very day their plans come to nothing.
5 Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
    whose hope is in the Lord their God.
6 He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
    the sea, and everything in them—
    he remains faithful forever.
7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed
    and gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets prisoners free,
8     the Lord gives sight to the blind,
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,
    the Lord loves the righteous.
9 The Lord watches over the foreigner
    and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
    but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
10 The Lord reigns forever,
    your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord.

Gilbert resides in Rwanda and felt called to start the non-profit, Love With Actions, as a result of learning about families affected by disabilities.  He not only was moved with compassion, but quickly responded with actions.  I was very moved by Gilbert's story and his commitment to make a difference.  The stories, photographs, and videos he shared have been very inspirational.  I encourage you to go to his website and learn about his ministry.

Love With Actions
@lovewithactions.org

I enjoyed sharing my heart with Gilbert and everything Bill and I have learned over the last twenty years.  It is definitely true that God doesn't call the equipped but he equips the called.  It has been such a walk of faith.  We are grateful for the people that have walked alongside us.

The Prayground

I love TEXAS!  My family and friends are there and I feel at home.  Yet, as soon as I got off the plane in Denver yesterday, and saw the beautiful foothills to the Rockies, I knew my heart was truly home.  Everywhere I looked I was reminded of a different memory.  I recalled driving up and down the hills of Arapahoe Road as a teenager, back when there was nothing on it.  It took me home to drive by where I worked for so many years and the invaluable lessons I learned from Lyman and Margaret Coleman.

Roads, houses, and landmarks took me "home" but then I went a step further and walked into my spiritual home, St. James Presbyterian Church.  Jim and Sally Stuart initiated a beautiful journey for me with the Lord and Les Avery, the Sr. Pastor when I was there, and hundreds of other people invested in me.  I grew up there, both in age and grace.

There are many things I loved about St. James growing up.  The worship center was formed in a circle and communicated such a great sense of community and family.  And every Sunday, they allowed a certain amount of time for sharing prayer requests, concerns, and praises.  The congregants cultivated an acceptance of wherever you are on your journey, we are here for you.

When I walked into the worship center yesterday I was struck by something new that had been added.    To one side of the room there were a couple of children's tables and chairs, coloring books and colors, and a few toys.  I can't stop thinking about it because there were powerful messages behind that simple display.  It communicated acceptance of where children are on their journey.  They have difficulty sitting still for a long period of time, yet they are like sponges when it comes to taking in what they are surrounded by like worship music, prayer, community, and scriptural truths.

The "Prayground" also communicates that perfection is not the goal.  I have seen a wave of the attempt for perfection in worship.  I agree that we should give our best to the Lord, but there is not a person in the church that is perfect.  When everything about a service is orchestrated to perfection, it can make the imperfect person feel like they don't belong.

I continually go back to the image of Christ on a hillside with children gathered around Him.  Nothing was orchestrated.  Nothing was perfect.  A child with a disability would be welcomed and loved as all children should be.

Thank you, St. James, for the reminder that we are all a work in progress in need of grace and acceptance of where we are on the journey.  When I walked into your church home yesterday, the beautiful cross I grew up with instantly took me home to those beautiful years of growth and grace.

* I want to give a special thanks to Pastor Dr. Wayne Darbonne, Pastor Jim Stuart and Erika Roberg for welcoming me back into the St. James family after 40+ years have passed.

Growth Opportunities

I have been looking forward to today for months now!  I will be catching a flight to Denver tonight, my home away from home.  

On Thursday I will be meeting with Gilbert Kubwimana, founder of Love With Actions.  Gilbert has a deep love and compassion for people.  He has started a non-profit in Rwanda to minister to the hurting and in need of support.  We will spend Thursday learning and growing from one another regarding our passion to encourage and support people affected by disabilities.  We will be joined by a mutual mentor, Sally Stuart.  I look forward to sharing with you what I learn from our day of sharing about our ministries and mutual faith.

The rest of my time in Denver will be spent connecting with churches and teachers.  I will be leading a group of parents, church volunteers and teachers through a four-hour workshop on the theology of disability, how to start a disability ministry, classroom management and teaching tips, as well as intentional teaching for the classroom.

In the evenings I will be able to spend time with my brother and sister-in-law who have been instrumental in my understanding of people from a variety of backgrounds.  They have been, and continue to be, an inspiration.

I covet your prayers for safe travel and for a heart that responds to the growth available to me.  Have a great week!

The Destination or The Journey

Every week I drive about an hour each way to take care of my grandchildren.  Of course I am anxious for the destination and those sweet hugs when I get there, but the journey has become a special time for me as well.

I have two choices.  I can take the faster way and take the toll road with the opportunity to drive 75 miles an hour with little traffic.  I will have to dodge a few cars going 90 instead of the 75.  If I choose the other path, I will be able to drive 55 mph and for a significant stretch, I will only be able to drive 35 mph.  But when I am driving 35 mph, I will be driving through Brushy Creek.  Beautiful walking trails will be on one side of the road and the sounds of a calming creek will be on the other.  On my journey I may see a deer or two and in the spring, I will see beautiful wildflowers.

If you know me at all you know I choose the slower and more beautiful path.  In that hour I spend the first half praising God for what He has done in my life and thanking Him for my precious family.  I then pray for each of them by name and pray for friends and acquaintances that come to mind.  On the second half of the journey I either listen to music that feeds whatever need I have at the time or I listen to empowering TED talks.

The older I get, the more I focus on the journey rather than the destination.  My children tease me about becoming an old lady but in reality, it isn't the middle-aged grandmother coming out, but my inner hippie wearing a ring of wildflowers on my head taking in the sun for the day.

I think we have a couple of choices when it comes to people.  We can either focus on the destination or the journey.  Think about it.  If you go to a family reunion or a class reunion.  It is easy to scan the room and pigeon-hole people based on their appearance or a few moments of conversation.  We can reach our destination in a matter of moments.  We know where they live, their family situation, and their vocation.  Destination reached.  When we go on a mission trip we find out their names; we share the gospel.  Destination reached.  When we serve in a classroom of children with special needs, we can learn their names, their diagnosis, their triggers, and our assessment on how they can best be served.  Destination reached.

Yet there is a whole beautiful journey to be experienced.  When we focus on the destination we often focus on the clock but when we focus on the journey we will focus on the relationship.  Oftentimes the destination is about us and the journey is about the person we are serving.

I will never forget the sweet young lady that brought this perspective home for me.  She was a little girl that, in our perspective, functioned at about 6 months.  She was non-verbal.  In those early visits with her I admittedly was somewhat focused on the destination.  Then one Sunday I sat on the floor next to her.  I entered her world.  I went on her journey.  I learned that she loved to listen to worship music.  She loved to hear me whisper prayers in her ear.  She smiled when I told her stories and talked about Jesus.  It was then that my experience became a journey, rather than a destination.

Some Days...

Some days I get up in the morning and I know exactly what God would like me to do

   and there are other days when I wonder if I have anything to offer.

Some days I wake up in the morning feeling like God and I are pretty tight

   and there are other days when I can't even fathom His majesty.

Some days I marvel at the amount of love and compassion I see in people

   and there are other days when I just shake my head.

Some days I know my destination

   and there are other days when I just enjoy the journey.

Some days I focus on my lack of ability

but today, I am just going to let go and let God do His thing.

    Grace Without Margins

Disability Education and Training Courses

Price Reduction in Preparation for 2018!!

Have you prepared a bucket list to make 2018 an amazing year?  Online training classes were $40, NOW $20!

Available NOW

Grace Without Margins:  Elements of Disability Ministry

B.U.D.D.Y. Training

Autism: Associating Neuroanatomy With Observable Behaviors

Available December 2017

Insights On Aging Parents and Loss

Available 2018

Behavior and Classroom Management

Teaching Children About Children With A Disability

Register at https://gwm.digitalchalk.com/dc/learn/grace-without-margins-elements-of-disability-ministry

Erasing the Margins Through Film

I think one of the best things we can do is continually educate ourselves.  Sometimes I can take a course, quite often I read a book, and then there are times I relax and watch a movie.  I can learn something new about the challenges and the joys of someone living with a disability from each of them.  I won't endorse any of these movies because I haven't seen them all, but I thought I would share my movie list with you.

Wonder (2017)
Me Before You (2016)
Where Hope Grows (2015)
Margarita With a Straw (2014)
On The Way To School (2014)
The Theory of Everything (2014)
Rust and Bone (2012)
The Sessions (2012)
The Untouchables (2011)
See What I'm Saying:  The Deaf Entertainers Documentary (2010)
Front of the Class (2008)
Praying With Lion (2008)
Quid Pro Quo (2008)
The Diving Bill and the Butterfly (2007)
Music Within (2007)
Tara Zameen Par (2007)
Black (2005)
Murderball (2005)
The Ringer (2005)
Aaltra (2004)
Rory O-Shea Was Here (2004)
Touch the Sound (2004)
My Flesh and Blood (2003)
Radio (2003)
Door to Door (2002)
Oasis (2002)
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
I Am Sam (2001)
Miracle In Lane 2 (2000)
Sound and Fury (2000)
King Gimp (1999)
The Other Sister (1999)
The Mighty (1998)
The Theory of Flight (1998)
The Eighth Day (1996)
What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
Educating Peter (1992)
The Waterdance (1992)
Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
My Left Foot (1989)
Gaby:  A True Story (1987)
Children of a Lesser God (1986)
Mask (1985)
Annie's Coming Out (1984)
The Elephant Man (1980)
Son-Rise:  A Miracle of Love (1979)
Coming Home (1978)
The Other Side of the Mountain (1978)
Charly (1968)
The Miracle Worker (1962)
The Men (1950)
Johnny Belinda (1948)
The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

This is only the "tip of the iceberg."  There are so many great movies out there.  Send me your favorites and I will add them to the list.  I have bolded the ones I have already seen.

Since I Turned 50...

Since I turned 50, not in any specific order but as they came to me...

I attended the weddings of my beautiful daughters
I welcomed my little Tolkien into the world
I retired from teaching
I started an LLC
I designed a website
I got my first pair of hearing aids
I ordered a logo
I took Mental Health First Aid
I attended a conference on mental health
I spoke on a radio show
I met (via Skype) with an inspiring young man in Rwanda
I started a blog
I said goodbye to one of my favorite women in the world
I attended my daughter's college graduation
I attended my daughter's graduation with her Master's degree
I taught my granddaughter how to read
I learned how to play PIG with my grandson and actually won a few games
I asked my grandson to teach me Spanish
I wrote the plans for my funeral (they are on my desktop should anyone need them)
I faced one of my biggest fears and started public speaking
I wrote and published my first book
I wrote and published my second book
I went to San Francisco with my sweet husband
I went up and down the Oregon coast with him
I started dreaming new dreams
I became a certified teacher for Beyond Suffering 
I flew to California to be in the presence of one of my heroes, Joni Eareckson Tada
I reconnected with another hero, the lady that loved me through the teenage years.  She and her husband told me about the Lord so many years ago
I moved my mom into independent living and asked her for advice
I moved my mom into assisted living and learned from her wisdom
I found my third grade teacher in Dallas, I took her some flowers and thanked her for being my favorite
I hopped on a plane and flew to Arizona to thank my first employer for investing in me
I told my dad I miss him about a million times and then I found something to do that would bring a smile to his face
I told my mother-in-law I loved her, it was ok to go and we would all be ok... and then I sang "Jesus Loves Me" to her
I lamented over two broken relationships from high school and college.  I tried to connect with them and fix whatever happened.  I couldn't but I tried.
I asked a lady on a plane to share her story with me and I learned what it was like to survive a concentration camp, as well as the flashbacks
I looked in the mirror and thought about dyeing my hair again but practicality won
I started the "Ultimate Bucket List" book and have completed 1/4 of them (someday I will check off skinny dipping!)
I watched my grandson play with the wind
I looked in the mirror and stared at the wrinkles spreading out from the corners of my eyes, but now   I have decided they are no longer wrinkles but stories I haven't shared yet

Most of all, my friendship and awe of God have grown in ways I never imagined...

The list is still growing!  The purpose of this list is not to brag or lament but to share with those of you that are dreading 40, 50, or 60... hey, it is not all bad.  There are a lot of freedoms and opportunities after 50.  It excites me to think about all of the opportunities! Yes, there are some hard realities of life but the joys outweigh them.  Cherish the freedoms and explore the possibilities!

I love checking off my bucket list but I am reserving three for when the end is almost near and Bill has specific instructions!  When I am about to kick that 'ol bucket, bring me a piece of cheesecake and take me skydiving and finally, if I am laid out in a casket, sew a large SIZE 2 label in my shirt for everyone to see!

The Irresistible Church and Serving The Elderly

The organization, Joni and Friends, has been part of my life for many years.  I remember watching the movie, Joni, as a young woman.  After a diving accident Joni's life was affected by quadriplegia.  She has lived in a wheelchair for 50 years now but she has let God use her disability for His glory, in powerful ways, around the world.

I have loved reading Joni's books, taking her course, Beyond Suffering, and teaching children about her ministry for years.  I feel honored to have the opportunity to share my heart on their blog, The Irresistible Church.  Join me on The Irresistible Church and the path I am currently walking, Serving The Elderly In Your Church.

http://irresistiblechurch.org/serving-elderly-church/

Freedom in Aging

It is a rather nostalgic week for us.  I had my 56th birthday, Bill had his 58th, and we will celebrate our 32nd wedding anniversary in a few days.

In the last year I have had moments of being overwhelmed by aging...seeing wrinkles appear overnight, my hair is no longer grey but is now turning white, and the double chin thing, I won't even go into that!

Over the last month, however, our small group has been walking through the issues of aging and my perspective has changed.  We have been watching videos Bill and I have produced on Insights Into Aging Parents and Loss.  They will be part of a course we are going to offer with tips on the emotional and practical aspects of supporting aging parents.

We have also been reading, Improving With Age by Stuart and Jill Briscoe, in an effort to prepare for our own aging.  We have looked at some of the difficult issues.  How will we respond to an acquired disability if that happens?  Do we have our affairs in order?  What does retirement mean?  Should we ever retire?

We have also looked at the great aspects of aging.  It has changed my outlook as I look at the freedoms of aging.

• Freedom to seek and fulfill God's calling on my life.
• Freedom financially.  We have what we need and we don't feel the pressure to compete or keep up with anyone.
• Freedom from the decisions of parenting to enjoying the intense joy of loving and spoiling our children and grandchildren.
• More freedom to just sit back and enjoy... everything.
• Freedom from boredom or questioning what to do.
• The freedom to take courses I am interested in without the pressure of grades or acquiring debt.  
• And the freedom of knowing I am at the right place at the right time.

Since I retired from teaching a year and a half ago, I have been living with this mindset but the Briscoes summed it up well for me.  What books need to be read, what topics need to be learned, what skills could be developed, what service could I offer, what needs should I meet, which people should I seek to know-all of which would yield a productive use of my leisure time?

I realize to some Bill and I are still very young and yet to others we are the young old.  Just as I always told our children, Do not let life just happen to you.  Plan it.  That is how I feel about this next half or third of my life, Do not let aging just happen, plan it! And in addition to that, ENJOY IT!

Support For Disability Ministry

One of the great blessings I have every month is leading a Joni and Friends meeting every month for area directors and volunteers of special needs ministry.  Every month we have two hours of fellow-

ship, encouragement and discussion on interesting topics pertaining to disability ministry.   If you live in the Austin area or are visiting, we would love to have you join us.  Below are some of the topics we have covered that may be helpful to you.

In addition, you have a topic you would love to present to our group, we would love to hear from you!

You may contact me at gracewithoutmargins@aol.com or call 512-673-0187.

Joni and Friends 

First Monday Presentations

November 2017  
BiG (Brookwood in Georgetown)         
Presented by Erin Kiltz

October 2017  
My Father’s Eyes                 
Presented by Sheila Allee

September 2017  
Theology of Disability         
Presented by Topher Endress

August 2017  
It’s So Much Work to Be Your Friend (DVD) 
Presented by Richard D. Lavoie

        

July 2017         
How Difficult Can This Be? Understanding Learning Disabilities (DVD)
Presented by Richard D. Lavoie

May 2017  
Call Me Friend:  Building Compelling Relationships Through One-On-One Ministry (Book Discussion)

Written by Joni and Friends

April 2017  
Ministering to the Whole Family         
Presented by Amy Edwards

March 2017  
Being A Safe Place For Caregivers  
Presented by Mary Stephens, PhD

February 2017  
Autism:  Associating Neuroanatomy With Observable Behaviors
Presented by Bill Boggess

January 2017  
Spiritual and Teaching Tips For Down Syndrome 
Presented by Jeanette Holahan

December 2016  
We’ve Got This!:  Providing Respite for Families (Book Discussion)
Written by Joni and Friends

November 2016  
Engaging Game Changers: Recruiting and Coaching Volunteers for Disability Ministry (Book Discussion)
Written by Joni and Friends

October 2016  
Start With Hello:  Introducing Your Church to Special Needs Ministry (Book Discussion)
Written by Joni and Friends

September 2016  
Introductory Meeting at La Madeline  
Presented by Deana Boggess

Mobility Worldwide

Last week I had the opportunity to interview John Rudd.  John is the president for Mobility Worldwide®, TX-Austin, previously known as Personal Energy Transportation.

Mobility Worldwide has 26 shops around the United States.  They have been able to assemble 70,000 hand powered wheelchairs (called PET® carts) and ship them to 100 different countries.  About 700 of the carts have been built from scratch and assembled in Austin, Texas.

Mobility Worldwide is committed to serving people in remote areas where there aren't paved roads and sidewalks and the wheelchair has to navigate dirt, mud, and rocks.  Their hand powered cart is designed in such a way that it can endure rough roads and pathways a little easier.

I encourage you to take a look at their website,http://mobilityworldwide.org, and learn more about their ministry and efforts to give people the gift of mobility.  They have great opportunities to volunteer and become involved.  Parts need to be cut, painted, assembled and packaged.  It takes approximately 30 volunteer hours for each hand-powered cart.  In addition, they could use financial support.  Each cart costs $300 in materials, plus the cost of shipping. The recipients of the wheelchairs receive them free of charge.

If you know a church, ministry, or organization that could benefit from Mobility Worldwide, they can apply to become a distribution partner and help change lives.  If you are looking for a great service project and a great group of people to work with, give them a call.

Congratulations, Shelly!

It was exciting to have our 30,000th visitor on our blog.  

It was interesting to read the results of our survey.  

And it was FUN to draw our winner, Shelly Corbin, and congratulate her over a cup of coffee.

I had actually met Shelly Corbin a couple of times and from what people have shared with me, she is the kind of person everyone wants to be friends with.  She loves the Lord, she loves people, and she is a whole lot of fun!

Shelly and I met for coffee last week so I could give her the prizes she had won, our book Grace Without Margins and the opportunity to take each of our courses as they are released. I told her about  the resources available to her through Grace Without Margins.  After that, I wanted to hear her story.

For years I had the privilege of teaching five and six-year-olds how to read.  When it all comes together for them and they realize the new world that has opened up for them by knowing how to read, their face is filled with excitement.  That is what I saw in Shelly. 

God has opened up a whole new adventure for Shelly in special needs ministry.  She feels young and ill-equipped, but I think that is the best place to be.  She is full of wonder, is asking questions, and enjoying the journey and that is exciting!  She already has the best qualification, LOVE.  I look forward to checking in with her in a year and hearing all of the stories!

Congratulations, Shelly!  It is going to be an amazing ride!

My Father's Eyes by Sheila Allee

Today we held our Joni and Friends First Monday meeting.  I love every person sitting around the table.  We have a variety of personalities, ages, histories, and expressions of faith, but we have two things in common, a love for our Lord and a commitment to welcome, include, and value people of all abilities in our church communities.

This month we had a special guest join us, Sheila Allee.  Sheila has been a journalist, a corporate and political speechwriter and the executive director of the Writer's League of Texas.  The Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation has been blessed to have her as a former spokesperson.  

Sheila shared her most recent book, My Father's Eyes, which won the 2015 Barbara Jordan Media Award for positive depictions of people with disabilities.  In My Father's Eyes, Sheila shares about her friendship with her Uncle Melrose.  Uncle Melrose lived almost 60 years in a  state institution.  Sheila didn't know about him until the last 10 years of his life.  As she spent time with him and developed a friendship with him, he had a huge impact on her and her understanding of living with disabilities.

During the presentation Sheila also shared the history of how individuals have been treated in the recent history of the United States.  It is a history that we all need to be reminded of and learn from.  Sheila is a great resource for helping your church understand the value of individuals that happen to have a disability and the blessing they are to the church family.  I highly encourage you to read her book and invite her to share with your church family.

You may contact Sheila at:  sheila.allee@att.net, 512-983-7636 or www.sheilaalleebooks.com.

I would like to introduce you to Topher Endress, Minister of Education at University Christian Church in Austin.  It has been a blessing to get to know him through the Joni and Friends meetings I lead each month.  Topher has such a supportive and compassionate heart for people, but I have been particularly impressed by his commitment to support people affected by disabilities.  If you ever need a great speaker on the "Theology of Disabilities,"  I would encourage you to invite him.  He not only holds your attention, but he expands your understanding of what it means to be created in the image of God.

I recently discovered one of Topher's hidden treasures, his videos on inclusivity in the church.  I think you will find them thought provoking in such a way that it will broaden your perspective.  The videos would be great to share with your congregation and ministry teams.  I have posted one of the videos for you but you can find additional clips on YouTube under Topher Endress.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tjk72kcpDNk

I hope you will find ways to include this great resource in your ministry area.

Grace Without Margins Survey Results

We want to thank you for taking a few minutes to complete our survey!
Here are the results:

Does your church have a disability ministry?
Yes, it does                                                                                       66%
No, it does not                                                                                 33%
We are in the process of starting one                                                0%

Do you feel churches should offer support for people with a disability?
Yes, people with disabilities are part of God's family                     100%
No, there is too much liability                                                           0%
Possibly, if the church feels led                                                         0%

Would you participate in disability ministry training if it were available?
Would be more likely to attend if the training were local                50%
Would be more likely to take training online                                   36%
Would be more likely to read a book for training                            14%

Would you utilize the resources of Grace Without Margins?
Yes, it looks helpful                                                                         100%
No, it does not look helpful                                                               0%
I already know what I need to know                                                 0%

Do you feel the church is meeting your needs?
Yes, my church is supporting and serving me well                          80%
No, I do not feel like the church supports me                                  13%
I would like to be involved in developing a disability ministry         6.7%

At Grace Without Margins we want to be as supportive as possible.  If you have a need or question, please feel free to contact us at gracewithoutmargins@aol.com.

Celebrating 30,000 Views and Shelly Corbin!

Sharing the Stories...Asking the Questions

For the last several weeks Bill  and I have been working on our documentary, Insights Into Aging Parents and Loss.  Even though it has been a bit emotional for us, telling the stories of the aging process of each parent has been enlightening for our own journey in aging.

420 minutes, 9 days, 10 years and a lifetime have been the amounts of time allotted for Bill and I to prepare for the aging of each parent.  Each experience had its own trail of emotions.  As we have looked back over the journeys, the forks in the road, the markers of lessons learned, and the view from the end of the path, we have built perspectives on aging.  As a good friend shared, we are the youth of the aging population, which basically means we will be there before we know it.

In the process of sharing the stories, two truths have stood out to me.  First of all, the occurrence of acquired disabilities among the aging.  In your youth it is easy to set yourself among the able-bodied, but there is no way to predict what may come your way during the aging process:  hearing loss, visual impairment, mobility challenges and a lack of cognitive acuity to name a few.  Secondly, with any of those challenges, you may find yourself in the margins.

Grace Without Margins among the elderly means continuing to make your church building a welcoming and accessible home.  It means including the elderly in conversations, even if you have to repeat yourself a few times.  It means sitting and listening to the wisdom and faith of an elderly person with the same enthusiasm of listening to a peer.  And it means putting yourself on that same journey and thinking about how you would want to be included.

In the book, Improving With Age, Stuart and Jill Broscoe share the verse, Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ( II Corinthians 4:16)  The attitude of being renewed day by day starts in your 50's, the youth of the aging population, or in other words, "the young old."  As we start this journey we have to ask ourselves if we are focusing on wasting away or being renewed day by day?

Job's Rule #10: Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish

All of Steve Job's Rules For Success have made me think, but #10 brings me the most JOY!

I love being hungry!  Hungry to do more, learn more, change more, influence more, read more, experience more, erase the margins more.  I love celebrating the changes I have seen in my lifetime, but I don't want to ever stop hungering for more.  We have so many people in the margins and no one belongs there. Are you hungry?  Then give a banquet!

But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.  Luke 14: 13,14 (NIV)

Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame...Go out to the roads, and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full.  Luke 14:21,23 (NIV)

As for foolish, I have been incredibly foolish the last couple of years and I have loved every minute of it!  Will you be foolish with me?  When you get up tomorrow morning, let go of the reigns and trust God to guide you.  Be "foolish" in the world's eyes and invite the people in the margins into your churches, your homes and your heart.  Love them with the love that Christ has for you.

"Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish"

A Five Question Survey

30,000  Visitors 

We are getting close to our 30,000th visitor!   Can you help us reach our goal by filling out our survey?  It will only take a minute since there are only five questions.  What we will learn from it is invaluable!

We would love to have a variety of responses, whether you are involved in disability ministry or not.  Thank you for your help!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HWFSWJY

Job's Rule #9: Marketing Is About Values

     This is my ninth post on Steve Job's Rules For Success.  I wouldn't say all of our values are the same, but he has made me think about what I do value.  He has challenged some of my perspectives and caused me to live an unlimited life, have passion, and build a great team.

     If you want to know what we value at Grace Without Margins, just look in the eyes of the children and the adults they have become.  We are grateful for all of the people that have shared life with us over the last 20 years.

    

Our lives will never be the same because of the incredible children we have met along the way.  Not only have we loved them unconditionally, but they have loved us unconditionally as well.  They accepted our flaws, inadequacies and feeble attempts to teach them something, while the whole time they were teaching us.                                                                                                                                 
-Grace Without Margins

                      

“When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in Black and white, you photograph their souls!” ― Ted Grant                                                                              

Rule #8: Building Around "Customers"

"Building Around Customers," Steve Job's 8th rule for success.  For Grace Without Margins, I prefer to think of it as "Building Around People."

At Grace Without Margins our desire is to provide as many tools as possible to support people affected by disability, along with their families, churches, and communities.

We are nearing our 30,000th visitor on our blog and we want to celebrate each of you by learning how we can serve you better!  Simply fill out our survey with your contact information.

On the day we have our 30,000th visit on our blog, we will draw the name of our winner.  The winner will be able to take each of our courses, one time with no charge, receive a copy of Grace Without Margins, as well as ministry support via phone or FaceTime (over a $200 value).  

The survey is a quick one so if you could just take a moment, we would appreciate it!  We look forward to supporting and serving you better.

 Survey Link:  Grace Without Margins Survey

Blessings,
Deana

Radio Interview with Jennifer Fulwiler

Have you visited out website lately?  We have added a variety of media files and resource information.  On our website you can access our recent radio broadcast on the Jennifer Fulwiler Show on SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Channel 129.  It was a new experience for me but I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  Jennifer and the Catholic Channel graciously agreed that I could share our conversation about the church and ways for the church to welcome and support individuals and families.  I would love for you to share in our conversation.

Our website is www.gracewithoutmargins.com

Blessings,
Deana

TheCatholicChannel.org

Rule #7: Be Proud of Your Products

Recently I have taken a little time away from blog posting to work on products.  Steve Jobs was dedicated to his products in such a way that keeps me evaluating and striving for more.  I have always loved how clean and user-friendly his products have been.

Conversation over a cup of coffee seems to be one of my favorite tools for product development.  I love hearing people's stories, learning about their families, and talking about how we can all provide support to people affected by a disability.

Bill and I have loved putting together online training opportunities focused on areas we receive the most questions.  If you visit gwm.digitalchalk.com you can register for three of our courses:  Elements of Disability Ministry, B.U.D.D.Y. Training, and Autism: Associating Neuroanatomy With Observable Behaviors.  We are offering a discount to help you get started.  When you register for a course, just add the promotional code, Launch06, when you check out.

Visit our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/gracewithoutmargins/ and check out the services we offer:  books and resources, on location training, online training, teacher in-service training and primary student presentations.

Watch for our next course, Aging Parents and Loss,
to be released before Christmas!

Rule #6: Don't Do It For The Money

(Steve Job's rule #6 for success)

When you can lay on the floor and sing silly songs with a child...

... or dance around a room without any walls or rules
... or be greeted with the most sincere hug only a child can give
... or throw out any date in history and be told what day of the week it was
... or put on a talent show with children of all abilities
... or laugh with a child until your sides hurt
... or be with a hearing impaired child and use the rest of your
    senses in a way you never dreamed of
... or pop wheelies down a hallway with a child using a wheelchair laughs
    with delight
... or create a masterpiece out of clay with an adult that has discovered
    their gift
... or spend an afternoon with a senior with a disability and learn from
    their wisdom

Why would you ever do it for the money?